Donegal farmers need new flood-relief scheme
He said: “The scenes of drowned animals and damaged farmyards underline the financial impact this catastrophic weather has had on farmers’ livelihoods.
“An open flood relief scheme should be rolled out to help all of those affected. The new scheme should draw on the experience of the 2015 flooding and the difficulty many farms had in applying for those funds.”
The flood-relief scheme was set up in 2015 to assist farmers affected by loss of livestock or impacted by damage to fixed agricultural structures and fittings.
IFA president, Joe Healy, said he has received an undertaking from Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, that an assessment of losses incurred by farmers in Donegal will take place without delay. In relation to farm schemes, the minister also gave IFA an undertaking that farmers whose lands have been damaged will not be penalised.
The minister said: “I can assure farmers whose land has been flooded and who are concerned about possible consequences in terms of eligibility for payments that a practical approach will be taken in terms of dealing with people who have been victims of events which were completely outside of their control.”
Mr Creed visited farms in the worst affected areas in Donegal.
He urged farmers to call departmental animal welfare helplines, 0761 064408 and 01 607 2379, for animal welfare or safety; and veterinary offices if any animals need to be moved.
